Sharif made the remarks after he was given a special briefing on the country's "strategic programme" by Lt Gen (retd) Khalid Ahmed Kidwai, Director General of the Strategic Plans Division, the body that controls the nuclear arsenal.

"The strategic programme had matured over the years, and had ensured full spectrum deterrence against external aggression, thereby reinforcing peace in the region," Sharif was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his office.

The premier, who is Chairman of the National Command Authority for the nuclear arsenal, reiterated his government's "unstinted resolve and commitment to the centrality of the strategic programme to national security".

Pakistan emerged as a nuclear power during Sharif's last stint as premier by carrying out a series of nuclear blasts in 1998.

A little over a year after the tests, Sharif was deposed during a military coup led by then army chief Pervez Musharraf.

Sharif became premier for a record third term after his PML-N party swept the May 11 general elections.